Bicycle cleaning

Out of all the threads on how to clean a bicycle, I have not gotten one tip on how to get one's wife to clean the machine.
We are now going through a pattern of morning drizzle and my poor bike developes a crust by the time I get 40 to 50 miles.
I leave the bike in the garage, next to the door, where I might add, it is pretty darn convenient to get to, and my wife just ignores the crusted grime. I have even observed her when she walks around the bike, thinking she is so clever as to not even notice that I leave it for her. So, if you have any motivational words of encouragement that I could use on her, or any suggestions that may have her see that it is all about me and my bike...please write.
Signed,
Clueless

I forgot to add that this should be read with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

I'd say the odds are very small that she will offer to clean it. After all, it's your grime, you went looking for it, you brought it back home.

You could enforce your authority and try something like "Hey! Have you cleaned my bike yet?", but if she is fiesty like my wife, I'd probably end up with the front wheel where my teeth used to be and the cleaning rag rammed up my nose.

The subtle approach: Put the bike with a rag on her side of the bed. Gets them everytime

Or compromise. Tell her she can have a night off doing the dishes if she'll wash your bike. You will have to remind her that the dishes will still be there the next morning.

white lightening products seem to attract lots of road grime. i like a whistle clean cassette, and Pedro's xtra dry is great for me because i don't use my good bike in the rain. WL is a great lube, but i bring home all the drit with me.

my kids love cleaning my bike with me, so wife doesn't need to bother with it

I have enough words to get me into trouble, but not enough to get me out of trouble.

Originally posted by bill_me_l8r I'm interested in the White Lightning lubricant products. Has anyone else used them, and if so what has your experience been.

:thumbup: or thumbs down(thumbs down smilie doesn't work)

Made the switch several years ago and it's all I use. The drivetrain needs to be degreased completely before your first use. Best to lube the night before a ride, so the stuff can set up, but I'm always doing right before a ride and it still works. Tried Pedro's Ice wax several times and it's to thick and doesn't penetrate the nooks and crannies.

Originally posted by RiPHRaPH white lightening products seem to attract lots of road grime. i like a whistle clean cassette, and Pedro's xtra dry is great for me because i don't use my good bike in the rain. WL is a great lube, but i bring home all the drit with me.

my kids love cleaning my bike with me, so wife doesn't need to bother with it

Man! Is it just riding in Switzerland (believe me, EVERYTHING is clean here...) or is Chicago so dirty? I've not used Pedros xtra dry (sounds like a cool product) but WL just rocks over here. Can't say that anything gets dirty due to its use.

The thing is, you have to let her know who's in control right from the beginning. Maybe if the bike isn't sparkling clean the next time you go to ride it, some privaleges should be revoked, driving and phone restrictions are a good place to start.

I found the best way (I think) to clean a bike. First you have to get the big mud junks off, then let it dry, then use a good 3" paint bruch to clean the rest. I get a rag and soak it down with something like windex, use the brush to clean everything (gets down in the cracks good too) and occasionally rub the brush tips on the soapy rag. Works great and saves knocking all the lube out of the bearings (like a power washer will do). Use a dry 1" brush to keep fork sliders dust free on your forks too...

After the road grime/mud/whatever, take it through a field of those fuzzy topped weeds, get it good and hairy looking, they will stick to the bike. Then casually mention you are going to clean your bike tomorrow by her flower bed, I wonder if all those weed seeds will hurt the flowers........

After the road grime/mud/whatever, take it through a field of those fuzzy topped weeds, get it good and hairy looking, they will stick to the bike. Then casually mention you are going to clean your bike tomorrow by her flower bed, I wonder if all those weed seeds will hurt the flowers

Originally posted by Blackjack The thing is, you have to let her know who's in control right from the beginning. Maybe if the bike isn't sparkling clean the next time you go to ride it, some privaleges should be revoked, driving and phone restrictions are a good place to start.

Cleaning the transportation is Guy Work. Use the opertunity to show off your rippling muscles as you reconnect with the primal Male inside. Get together with your buddies in the drive and share bike grooming duties over a 6-pack of beer. This is a good way to establish your place in the hierarchy of your tribe.
Other types of cleaning, such as dinner plates and items of clothing are Wimmins work, where your Wimmin folk can gather round and exchange socially useful gossip.